Joining Relief Society

"Relief Society helps God’s children prepare to return to His presence. As daughters of heavenly parents, members of Relief Society “expound scriptures,” “exhort the church,” lift hearts, and “cleave unto the covenants [they have] made” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:7, 13)." (General Handbook (GH) Section 9.1)

The Purpose of the Relief Society

"Relief Society is a divinely instituted organization for all adult women in the Church. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the purpose of Relief Society is to save souls and relieve suffering. He stated that the Church of Jesus Christ was not fully organized until the sisters were so organized.

"Members of Relief Society work together to help accomplish God’s work of salvation and exaltation. They serve others, fulfill covenant responsibilities, build unity, and learn and live doctrine.

"The motto of Relief Society is “Charity never faileth” (1 Corinthians 13:8). (GH Section 9.1.1)

The Year Before

For young men, your senior year of high school can be a wonderful time to learn more about the role of the Relief Society. With that in mind, we invite you to review these resources with your parents or another trusted adult.

For young women, during your senior year of high school, consider when the Lord would have you begin attending and join the Relief Society. Counsel with your parents, your Bishop, and other leaders as you make this important decision.

As you prepare to join the Relief Society, we invite you to review these resources with your parents or another trusted adult, such as a member of the Relief Society Presidency or a ministering sister:

• Appendix A: For Parents--Preparing Your Children for a Lifetime on God's Covenant Path, found in the back of the Come, Follow Me manual

• You Belong to the Relief Society (video) by President Johnson, President Porter, and President Freeman

• Relief Society in the Gospel Library, especially focusing on the scriptures and conference talks linked in the article

• Sisters' Participation in the Gathering of Israel by President Nelson

• A Plea to My Sisters by then Elder Nelson

• The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood by then Elder Oaks

• Progression into Relief Society

These additional resources can be helpful to better understand the role of women and the priesthood.

• Women and Priesthood from the Relief Society Organization

• Joseph Smith's Teachings about Priesthood, Temple, and Women in Gospel Topics Essays

• Connecting Daughters of God with His Priesthood Power by Barbara Morgan Gardner

• The Work and Purpose of Relief Society from the Relief Society Organization

The outline below is to assist sisters who are preparing to join the Relief Society.

The Months Before

As you prepare to join the Relief Society, please work with your Bishop and Relief Society President to develop a plan to transition from the Young Women's Organization to the Relief Society.

• Meet with your Relief Society President to get to know each other better

• Attend Relief Society meetings and/or Relief Society activities a few times to get to know the sisters

• If you've been directed by the Lord to serve a mission, make a plan to attend Relief Society meetings for at least three months before beginning missionary service

After Joining Relief Society

• Record your experiences as you attend Relief Society for the first few times

• Make a plan to attend and participate in Relief Society meetings regularly

Throughout the rest of your life, we hope that you enjoy the privileges and blessings that come from being part of the Relief Society, the largest women's organization in the world.